American College of Chest Physicians

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) is a medical association in the United States consisting of physicians and non-physician specialists in the field of chest medicine, which includes pulmonology, critical care medicine and sleep medicine.

Mission: To champion the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication and research.

Vision: The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) is the global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research, and team-based care.

Quick Facts:

Established in 1935

18,700 members worldwide, across 100+ countries

Provider of clinical education for clinicians in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine

Publisher of CHEST Journal, a premier peer-reviewed publication with more than 350,000 readers each month

CHEST Annual Meeting each October is the world largest clinical chest medicine event—attracting 5,000+ professional attendees

First medical association with a simulation education program accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare

Highlights of 2014:

Opened CHEST Global Headquarters in Glenview, IL, in February

Held first CHEST World Congress in Madrid, Spain in March

Offering more than 15 live learning courses at brand new Innovation, Simulation, and Training Center, starting in April

Updating CHEST Journal with new design this summer

Holding CHEST 2014 in Austin, TX in late October

Fellow of the College of Chest Physicians is the title given to a doctor who specializes in pulmonology, critical care medicine or sleep medicine. FCCP is used as a post-nominal title, such as Jane Citizen, MD, FCCP. To be eligible for the Fellowship, a physician in the United States or Canada must be board certified in both a primary board and an applicable subspecialty board, have at least 18 months' experience in the field, and be sponsored by two Fellows of the College. Non-physicians who do active work in chest medicine — including those with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Doctor of Science (D.Sc.), or a doctorally-prepared nurse — are also eligible for the fellowship. Physicians outside of the United States and Canada are also eligible for the Fellowship. International Fellows (also given the designation FCCP) must have three years' experience in their field after the completion of training.